Dick DeVos the Man Who Does Not Give Up

Dick DeVos comes from Michigan. He was born in Grand Rapids and went to a public school in Forest Hills. His family allowed DeVos to be involved in the family business from an early age. When the family would put on events or host parties, Dick and his brother were playing mini hosts and doing all the little tasks that needed to be done around the house while the event was on. It taught both of them the appreciation for small things people can do for each other. It was also Dick’s first insight into the business his family runs and owns.

He went to Northwood University to study business administration and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. Later his education took him to Harvard, but he left the Business School before graduating. Other things seemed more interesting at the time, and DeVos joined an executive study program at Wharton School. His business interests were stronger, and he pursued his career choice.

In 1974 he started his career at Amway Corporation to use his talents as well as learn new skills. He worked with different divisions during his time at the company. Manufacturing, Marketing, sales and even finance became his playing fields where he could utilize his skills and gain new knowledge helping to expand his horizons. In the 80s he became the VP of the company. It put him in charge of operations in eighteen different countries.

A leadership position highlighted his leadership talents, and the corporation was able to expand their operations and raise sales numbers. The overseas sales leapt from 5% to 50% of all sales within six years.

DeVos worked for Orlando Magic which his family were able to acquire in the nineties. He later became a part owner together with his siblings. His experience and business understanding are praised by people who work alongside DeVos.

Dick DeVos left Orlando Magic to re-join Amway as the CEO after his father had left. He was in charge of a significant international change the company went through and created a new parent company called Alticor. Dick and his brother Doug joined forces to put the company on the global trading stage and avoid job cuts when the economy dropped.

He is a dedicated leader and also a well-known philanthropist. His dedication to charity comes from the understanding of how important is education. He also knows that nothing comes for free and you have to work for every little thing you achieve in life. Therefore helping others has become a passion for Dick DeVos.